Tire plugs??

[CA200_imp]

Thanks popgun for the call up , but ya I am sure I commented last time. Like ferret said it is a big can of worms.
Being a motorcycle tire retailer did make me bias.
I always say replace it. We don't get that many miles out of motorcycle tires anyway why take the risk. We never plugged or repaired tires, and yes we did have some people walk out but not many. 80% of our customers were sport bikes or HD walk ins.
I had a relative get back into riding and would hang out at the shop and one day after a sport bike customer had been in and left he said
" now I know way you like those sport bike customers so much"
The customer had come it to brag that he got more the 2000 miles
out of his tire, all I did was smile

[nhawk7504_imp]

New Tire. I did not even think about it. Two wheels. I don't want that thing going on me in the middle of some highway. Dirt bikes sure.

[jmc1100_imp]

Always seems to be new tires. My new 01 monster found a roofing nail.I removed the rear wheel, I believe the dealer patched it from the inside not a plug and it was in the middle of the tread, no problems with it.. Not for track days....

[sanoke_imp]

Like others that have responded, I've plugged tires and run thousands of miles on them. However, those were all bias ply tires. My Suzuki 650 V-Strom picked up a nail on a road trip so I plugged it and made it home okay but the plug started leaking so I replaced the tire. When I pushed the plug out to inspect it, I found that the radial cords had sliced almost through the plug. So on a radial tire like on the CB1100, my experience says that plug it to get home, but then plan on replacing it sometime in the near future.

[OldF7Guy_imp]

I would plug it and just keep an eye on it but thats me.

[the Ferret]

from the LD riders (long distance/iron butt guys)website

http://www.ldriders.com/tire-repair.html

"Wal-Mart sticky string with a reamer and insertion tool is better. Repairs in belted radial tires last longer, it will plug more types/shapes of punctures, it takes up less packing space, no need to carry a vial of lube or glue, and is cheaper and easier to restock."

and

"You don't have to use the glue on most punctures. The reamer is sometimes necessary to enlarge the hole enough to insert the sticky string."

Monday, if I remember, I will contact the tire repair kit makers in the back of Rider and Road Runner magazine and see what they say about repairing the radial tires on our CB 1100s. Since almost all tires are radials these days, I am assuming the tire repair kit companies are still in business because their products work on radial tires, but I will ask.

[mgoodie_imp]

Thanks guys for all the input I think I'm going to plug it and ride it to the dealership to get a new tire I just am not a fan of taking unnecessary risks when it comes to motorcycles. Plus the nail is on the edge of the tread I can see it bulging out on the sidewall.

[the Ferret]

Probably the best thing ..surely the safest and best for your peace of mind.

[metallyguitarded_imp]

I'm surprised no-one suggested plugging it with an RLET. Talk about peace of mind.

[Lord Popgun]

Metally,

I put RLETS on my valve stems and now I can run over nails, spike strips, etc and NOTHING bad happens. I don't ever get tire wear! Heck I can even lean over enough to drag my elbow like the MotoGP guys and never lose traction!